Easy Recipes From Scratch

8 Things You Should Try to Make From Scratch

It's all too easy to rely on the grocery store for some staple ingredients. But in reality, things like whipped cream and pickles are so easy to make on your own, you may never buy them again once you've tried the DIY version. Homemade bread, although it takes time and patience, is incredibly rewarding. You'll earn major culinary bragging rights by making any of these eight ideas from scratch.

Pickles: Pickling is a great way to preserve your favorite flavors and enjoy them all year long. This simple technique will have you pickling everything in sight!

Bread: We're not suggesting that you do away with store-bought bread entirely, but fresh bread, straight out of the oven, is something everyone should experience in their lifetime. This easy, no-knead recipe does require a significant resting time, but the result will change your world. As you get more comfortable with working with yeast, you can experiment with more complicated loaves.

Jam: Fruit lasts longer in jam form. And the homemade version is loaded with delicious, uncomplicated flavors, perfect for spreading on that loaf of bread you just made. Grab a flat of whatever is in season and start canning! Personally, we can't wait to make another batch of Concord grape jam.

Pizza dough: Store-bought pizza dough is superconvenient, but once you get the hang of a homemade recipe, you can enjoy pizza from scratch anytime. The best part about having a go-to pizza dough recipe is that you can make it in advance, freeze it, and then just take it out to thaw the morning that you're planning to cook up a pie.

Keep reading for more.

Whipped cream:Homemade whipped cream is so easy and fun, I can't even imagine buying the canned version anymore. It can be done by hand, with a hand mixer, or a stand mixer, and don't be afraid to experiment with liqueurs and spices.

Ketchup and mustard: Homemade condiments have more intense flavor than those you buy in the store. Ketchup and mustard are relatively easy to make and the recipes can be altered to suit your taste buds.

Vinaigrette: A zesty homemade vinaigrette can come together in under a minute. You can experiment with the ingredients and tailor your salad dressing to match your taste preferences. It's too easy not to try at least once.

Vanilla ice cream: Homemade ice cream is richer and smoother than it's store-bought counterpart. An ice cream maker is necessary, but if you start with a simple vanilla, it's only a matter of time before you'll be creating fancy flavor combinations.